Exmoor hopes for 'dark sky' status

The Orion as seen with light pollution (left) and without (right). Enlarge Image

Exmoor National Park is looking to become the first national park in the country to achieve 'Dark Sky Park' status.

'Dark Sky Parks' are areas which have been singled out for their lack of light pollution at night.

There are currently only three parks in the world (all based in America) to hold this title. Galloway Forest Park in Scotland is awaiting accreditation.

The status aims to mark the International Year of Astronomy.

Emma Dennis, landscape officer at Exmoor National Park Authority said: "There's a tremendous amount of work involved in applying for Dark Sky Park status, but as Exmoor is one of the few areas in the UK with skies dark enough to enjoy viewing the night sky we think it is well worth it."

As part of the application there has to be somewhere for people to enjoy viewing the night sky so two dark sky nights are to be held.

The first will be 'Heaven's Above' in Porlock on Saturday, 21 November, 2009 from 3pm-7pm, in Porlock Village Hall.

The event will include the chance to explore the universe inside a planetarium, enjoy some interesting presentations from astronomers, handle real meteorites, make a rocket and have a go at naked eye and telescope observation of Exmoor's dark sky.

The final event will be The Geminids Shower, on Sunday, 13 December, 2009 at The Sportsman's Inn, Sandyway.